Gov green lights Muchea Livestock Centre

Construction of the $55 million Muchea Livestock Centre has been given the green light by the state government.

The project was initially started under the previous Labor government but had experienced delays for the past five years creating uncertainty in the industry.

The facility will cover 5.2ha of the 303ha site allowing for further development from associated industries to form a livestock hub at Muchea.

The Western Australian Farmers Federation welcomes the move from the government.

WAFarmers President Mike Norton notes that after lobbying the Government consistently for over a decade to resolve the appalling state of WA's livestock saleyards, the announcement from the current Liberal-Nationals State Government is pleasing.

"The Liberal-Nationals Government's commitment of $54 million will enable the livestock industry to continue working towards further improving animal welfare and worker safety."

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said building the centre will result in more efficient handling and processing of animals as it will be the most advanced facility of its kind in Australia.

The preferred tenderer is to be appointed and building will commence as soon as possible with a view to be completed by January 2010.

Full announcement below:

Muchea centre gets green light as Liberal-Nationals get on with business.

Construction of the Muchea Livestock Centre will finally commence with a $54.54million funding package announced today by Premier Colin Barnett and Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman.

Mr Barnett said that while the previous Labor government had prepared the site and completed some initial ground work, it had allowed the project to stall for five years, creating great uncertainty in the meat and livestock industry.

The original cost of the facility subsequently ballooned from $11million in 2003 to $32million in 2006 and today to more than $50million.

After only 50 days in government, the Liberal-Nationals have stepped in to fix yet another of Labor's mismanaged projects and, in turn, fulfilled a major election promise.

The $54.54million funding package includes:
- the purchase of the site
- Department of Environment and Conservation works approval
- Shire of Chittering planning approval
- stages one and two earthworks including five dams and a 17ha cut and fill
- the upgrade of Muchea East Road and
- the construction of the facility.

"These saleyards are an important investment in what is a vital sector of the Western Australian economy and will help secure the future of the industry for decades to come," the Premier said.

"This will get the meat and livestock industry out of the Midland Saleyards which have been operating for more than 90 years and the current condition of which can only be described as an absolute disgrace. This decision will allow redevelopment of the site, taking advantage of the rapid growth of the Midland area and in turn creating additional employment.

"The delay by Labor has led to a $40million blowout in costs. Once again the Liberal-National Government is having to fix the problems Labor left behind after eight years running the State."

Mr Redman said at a time when the meat industry was facing significant challenges, the Liberal-National Government was committed to supporting the industry and assisting its growth.

"Building the Muchea Livestock Centre will result in more efficient handling and processing of animals as it will be the most advanced facility of its kind in Australia," he said.

"It will meet the highest standards in environmental management, animal welfare and occupational health and safety requirements.

"The new facility will be a far cry from the ageing saleyards at Midland. It will be fully roofed and water self-sufficient. Its sale capacity will be extended to hold up to 3,500 cattle, 28,000 sheep and cattle trans-shipment holding capacity of 2,000 head.

"The facility will cover 5.2ha of a 303ha site. This means there is further potential to develop associated industries to form a livestock hub at Muchea."

The preferred tenderer is to be appointed and building will commence as soon as possible with a view to be completed by January 2010.